A free celebration of the first day of Kwanzaa will be held on Wednesday, December 26, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.

The celebration, led by Dr. Gilo Kwesi Logan and Soul Creations, will feature spoken word performances by the ETHS Slam Team plus music, arts and crafts, and dancing. The event will also feature the traditional lighting of the Kinara and recitation of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.

Food will be available for purchase from Claire’s Korner Jamaican Restaurant and YoFresh Yogurt Café.

Earlier in the day, at noon, a separate ceremony featuring the traditional lighting of the Kinara will take place at Fountain Square, located at Sherman Avenue and Davis Street. For more information, please call 847-866-5914.